Policy

Boosting Aboriginal economic development in regional Victoria

The Victorian Aboriginal Economic Board held its third regional board meeting for 2017 in Mildura in August to help prioritise and enhance Aboriginal economic development in the region. Mildura has one of the state’s largest Aboriginal populations.

While in Mildura, the Board hosted a dinner with members of the local business community. Guests included Latji Latji Elder Aunty Janine Wilson, the Mayor of Mildura, Councillor Glenn Milne, Local Aboriginal Network Community Development Broker Ms Norsiyah Mokak, CEO of Mildura Regional Development Mr Daryl Buckingham, and Indigenous Family Violence Regional Action Group Chairperson and owner of Tupun-Pangoryeri; Guarding Our Spirit Mr Jacob Hunt.

Other distinguished guests from the Mildura Rural City Council, the local business community, corporate sector, and state government departments were present to discuss place-based economic development for Aboriginal people. Thanks go to Sid Clarke Junior for his didgeridoo performance.

Building opportunity and economic prosperity for Aboriginal Victorians

The Board and its guests collaboratively discussed opportunities to create stronger connections between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal businesses that contribute to the Mildura economy, as well as learning about current training, education and economic development initiatives in the Mallee region.

Prioritising Aboriginal business and employment in the Mallee

As part of this visit, the Board met at the Dulka Yuppata Indigenous Training Centre, SuniTAFE Mildura on 30 August 2017.

Board members were also fortunate to enjoy a guided walk of the Langtree Connection, learning about Stage 1 of the riverfront development project, the involvement of the local community in the strategy and the opportunities posed by the next phases of the project.

The State’s first Aboriginal Economic Board was established as part of Aboriginal Victoria’s commitment to working towards self-determination and to driving job and business opportunities for Aboriginal Victorians.

The Board looks forward to building its connections in Mildura, encouraging the good work done by community members in the Mallee and it thanks everyone kind enough to host them and engage with them during their stay on Latji Latji country.